Texas A&M to the SEC appears to be picking up steam less than a month before the new, restructured Big 12 plays its first season.

What SEC sources told Sporting News in July — that the league and Texas A&M have had ongoing conversations about the Aggies joining the SEC since last June — got its first does of public comment Wednesday when Texas Gov. Rick Perry told the Dallas Morning News, “conversations are being had.”

Perry, a former yell leader at A&M, told the Morning News, “That’s frankly all I know. I just refer you to the university and the decision makers over there.”

A&M released a statement Wednesday that read: “President (R. Bowen) Loftin is committed to doing what is best for Texas A&M not only now, but also in the future. We continue to have wide-ranging conversations regarding all aspects of the university, including both academics and athletics.”

That Texas A&M publicly responded to questions about leaving the Big 12 is stunning — especially considering the Big 12 made such a big deal about rebranding the conference last month.

When asked in July is expansion was still a possibility for the SEC, commissioner Mike Slive didn’t rule out the possibility and told Sporting News, “It’s my job to do what’s best for our institutions.”